COVID-19 Bulletin #32 from Dare County Emergency Management

In North Carolina, there are currently 2,402 cases of COVID-19 in 88 counties. There have been 24 fatalities in NC associated with COVID-19. Currently, the state is reporting 271 hospitalizations across the state from COVID-19 illness.

Earlier today, the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services announced the county’s sixth positive test result for COVID-19. At this time, it is unknown how the individual acquired the virus. It is possible that this individual may have acquired the virus from an asymptomatic individual, indicating community spread. The Dare County Department of Health and Human Services will continue to report on any positive test results as soon as possible.

Dare County is nearing the end of its third week fighting in a unified effort against the spread of COVID-19. Understandably, the stress and fears associated with COVID-19 and the duration of this pandemic can easily leave us fatigued and uninspired. Please be patient with yourself and those around you. Your feelings are normal and should be expected, however don’t lose sight of the importance of what you are doing by following the guidelines to stop the spread.

It is imperative that everyone in Dare County follow the Stay Home - Stay Healthy order and restrict all non-essential movement. Only go out when absolutely necessary. Practice social distancing by staying a minimum of 6 feet away from others, other than immediate family members.

Practice good hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces daily. When making decisions to protect you and your family from COVID-19, be sure to rely on credible sources for updated information. Visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or NCDHHS at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. For information specific to Dare County, visit www.darenc.com/covid19.

The Dare County COVID-19 Call Center will open on Monday, April 6 at 8:30 a.m. Staff is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m. to answer your questions.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners will hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 6 at 9:00 a.m. at the Dare County Administration Building in Manteo. The meeting will be streamed live and can be accessed via www.darenc.com or www.currenttv.org. Public comment may be submitted to the Board by sending an email during the meeting to dcboc@darenc.com

Town of Kill Devil HillsDuring this social-distancing time, Town offices are accessible by appointment only. Our regular business hours are M-F, 8-5 p.m. For information on modifications to daily operations/services, closed facilities, meeting/event cancellations, contact information for various Town Departments, and other updates, please visit our website www.kdhnc.com and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/townofkdh.

Town of DuckTo protect our citizens and staff, we ask you to call or email the office to ask how we may be able to assist you remotely. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The April 8 Planning Board meeting has been canceled.

Bulk trash collection scheduled for April 17 has been postponed.

Town of Southern ShoresTown Facilities-Town facilities remain closed to the public and all Town Hall business is being conducted via phone, email, fax, or other virtual means. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

Building Inspections-Building inspections are still being conducted, however, meetings in person with the Building Inspector on-site are limited. Inspection requests should be called in to the Planning & Code Enforcement Department by calling 252-261-2394 ext. 3 or email Dabni Shelton, Permit Officer at dshelton@southernshores-nc.gov. Permit applications can be submitted online by utilizing the link to Citizenserve on the Town website: https://www.southernshores-nc.gov/online-permit-submittals/. Feel free to call the Planning & Code Enforcement Department at 252-261-2394 ext. 3 should you have any questions.

Bulk Waste Collection-originally scheduled for the Town of Southern Shores on Friday, April 3rd has been postponed. A new bulk collection schedule will be announced at a later date.

Town of Kitty HawkThe Town Council Meeting scheduled for April 6, 2020 at 6:00pm will be held as planned. The meeting will be done virtually and there are several ways to watch, listen and or participate. For more information click here.

Town offices are open normal business hours with limited face-to-face contact. Before visiting any office, please check the appropriate website or call to discuss the best way to conduct business. For contact information and other COVID related information and closures, please visit https://www.kittyhawknc.gov/coronavirus-disease/.

Town of Nags HeadThe Town of Nags Head has suspended residential water account disconnections for nonpayment until June 1, 2020. In addition, no new penalties or late fees will be applied during this time. For more information, visit www.nagsheadnc.gov/coronavirus.

Town of ManteoTown Operations – Access to Town Hall is limited. Call 473-2133 first to handle issues over the phone or online. Ring doorbell and use intercom prior to entry. Utility service disconnections are suspended. Water charges will still be billed. Sanitation is on the regular schedule. Bulky item pick-ups are only Monday and Thursday.

Police Department – Access to Police Department is limited. If emergency, dial 911. Call 473-2069 for non-emergency weekday service or 473-3444 after hours. Ring doorbell and use the intercom prior to entry during weekdays. There is a call box for after-hours use at the MPD entrance.

Public Facilities – Town parks are open. Practice social distancing. Playgrounds and restrooms are closed. Pea Island Cookhouse Museum, Maritime Museum, and Lighthouse are closed. Downtown Marina is closed to visitors.